Mascons, mare rock and isostasy

Nature
By:

Links

Abstract

The nature of the large positive gravity anomalies discovered on the Moon (mascons) has been the subject of lively discussion. The high density (3.1 to 3.5 g cm−3) of mare rocks at Tranquillity Base supports one hypothesis—that mascons are surface sheets of high density volcanic rock. The non-isostatic conditions of the mascon areas shown by the free-air anomalies may have terrestrial analogues. in some regions of recent volcanism where breaks in the crust have allowed dense basalts to pile up on the surface faster than isostatic balance can be maintained.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Mascons, mare rock and isostasy
Series title Nature
DOI 10.1038/226924b0
Volume 126
Year Published 1970
Language English
Publisher Nature Research
Description 2 p.
First page 924
Last page 925
Other Geospatial Moon, Tranquility Base
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details